I am suffering from Lymphedema, where (untreated) my legs swell up to 110% of their normal volume. Treated (continual bandaging, 7 items per leg, every second day, 15 minutes per leg) they are reduced to normal size. I only wish I could attach pictures to this email.
My lymphedema began about ten years ago after I had a severe leg infection due to cat (kitten) scratches. The leg infection was so severe that I was hospitalized for four days while very strong antibiotics were administered by IV. Following that incident, my legs gradually began to increase in volume over the years to the point where I could no longer pull on normal trousers, even as large as size 52.
My GP could only suggest that I keep my legs elevated as much as possible, and that the foot-end of the bed be likewise elevated. By summer of 2010, I communicated to my GP that something had to be done. He referred me to a vascular surgeon, and I concluded that if surgery was necessary, so be it.
After examination, the surgeon stated that he would be sending me to the Renown Wound Care Center for treatment. At Renown, a physiotherapist named Susan began an intensive four month program on my legs. Treatment visits cost me a $20 copay each, with the balance covered by insurance. Throughout September I saw her three times each week. The program consisted of massage (pushing the lymph fluid up and out of the legs), bandaging (compressing the legs more and more), and exercises (both with her and on my own). Once a week the tape measure went around at eight different places, and lo and behold the numbers began getting smaller. October visits reduced to two per week, November once per week, and in December I graduated to a maintenance program.
For maintenance, I was prescribed a prosthetic product called CircAid JuxtaFit (a leg wrap for daytime wear, held by Velcro straps), and another product called JoviPak LE-AD Leg Sleeve (a leg boot for night-time wear). These prosthetics cost $200 and $470 respectively. One full set would be $1340. Two complete sets, necessary to permit washing and maintenance of one set while utilizing the other, would cost me $2680 plus shipping, NONE OF WHICH IS COVERED BY MEDICARE OR MY SENIOR MEDICAL INSURANCE PLAN.
Therefore, for the past ten months I have been forced to continue hand-bandaging as the only procedure I can afford. THIS IS WHY CONTINUING LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT NEEDS TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A VALID MEDICAL PROCEDURE FOR TREATMENT UNDER MEDICARE AND SENIOR MEDICAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS.
Legs After Treatment
